2020 came to give us a run for our money. I mean it’s been death after death after death, whether COVID-19 or not. It’s been event after event after event, like store closures, school shut downs, and adjusted work schedules from home. There’s been blacks being murdered by cops with little to no repercussions, which caused racism to be an all time high.
After Minnesota’s own, George Floyd, was intentionally killed by four cops, things got a bit heated. They initially got heated because instead of these cops being sent to jail, they were only let go from their jobs. Go figures, right? But in Minnesota, people were not okay with the officers being fired and fired alone. People began to protest in downtown Minnesota.
Well, in the midst of it all, places throughout the entire world have decided to stand for the George Floyd and the black lives matter movement. These places include countries like London, Ireland, South Africa, and many states in the US. The only issue is that the anger of the black communities started a quite dangerous scenario.
Their cries became rioting and looting while protesting. Many businesses and buildings are being vandalized and burned. Sadly, we see people tearing up there own communities. It’s no joke that it’s happening all over the US.
Milwaukee got involved where protesters are peaceful in some areas and not so peaceful in others. Because of this, many people who live in our communities are upset. They hate that people are tearing up businesses that had nothing to do with the incident. They think it’s stupid that people would mess up their own neighborhoods. They believe there’s a more logical approach.
While violence is never the answer, these illogical acts are acts of anger and bitterness. They are simply a reaction. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a speech called “The Other America” in 1967 that spoke to this very incident. In that speech he talked about the effects of growing up black in America.
— Declaring that there is a major separation between the America that whites wake up and live in verses the America that blacks wake up and live in.
He goes on to discuss the differences between the two “America’s” to add perception to the reason rioting occurs. He states that he would never agree to riot but rioting is “The Language of the Unheard.” He gives insight that until the racial issues are resolved and we find “liberty and justice for all” the riots will keep happening. People will continue to be angry.
I found that understanding the times is essential to moving forward. We are truly in a state of emergency. Nothing is safe right now. Since these horrific events, life has shifted quite a bit.
Most important part is that a message is being sent across the world. A message that proves the lack of equality. A message that confirms racism. A message suggests a new way.
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